January 2025 Māori Law Review

2025 Māori Land Court judgments – index

This table lists the 2025 judgments of the Māori Land Court and contains links to reports about the decisions.

For other years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. Follow this link for the 2025 Māori Appellate Court judgments index.

2025 Māori Land Court judgments

Judgment dateCitationMinute BookMLISLegislationSubject
2025
13.01.25Heitia v Downs - Succession to Te Wetini NgataiChief Judge's MB 12025 CJ 1Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
16.01.2025
Livingstone v Rawhiti - Tokaanu Township 2B
496 Aotea MB 45496 AOT 45Te Ture Whenua Māori Act, ss 18(1)(a), 19, 20.Interim injunction.
17.01.25Ruha - Succession to Takerei RuhaChief Judge's MB 302025 CJ 30Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
22.01.25Kingi - Succession to Te Punga BarclayChief Judge's MB 612025 CJ 61Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
23.01.25Hikaiti-Molloy v Hall - Succession to Timi KaukauChief Judge's MB 922025 CJ 92Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
24.01.25Te Puia v Cork - Succession to Guy Gerald Kau KauChief Judge's MB 1292025 CJ 129Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
24.01.25Kelly - Succession to Mai HoaniChief Judge's MB 1182025 CJ 118Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
24.01.25Galvin v Ngātai - Whakapoungakau 15B Sec 10329 Waiariki MB 206329 WAR 206Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 19 and 338; Māori Reservation Regulations 1994, reg 21.Administration of kaumatua houses.
28.01.25Wilson - Oue 2B 2CChief Judge's MB 1692025 CJ 169Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Vesting order.
28.01.25Wilson - Oue 2B 2CChief Judge's MB 1852025 CJ 185Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Amendment or cancellation of orders.
28.01.25Robson - Whitianga 9B1 (Tatawake Meeting House) Māori Reservation329 Waiariki MB 217329 WAR 217Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 239.Replacement of trustees.
04.02.2025
Kereopa - Succession to Pukawa Ngatawa
Chief Judge's MB 4802025 CJ 480Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
04.02.25Cribb - Succession to Tieme KarepeChief Judge's MB 3732025 CJ 373Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession orders.
07.02.25Hikatangata v Phillips - Succession to Te Rata PhillipsChief Judge's MB 4082025 CJ 408Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
11.02.2025
McFetridge v Tapsell - Succession to Taa Tapsell
Chief Judge's MB 4252025 CJ 425Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
24.02.2025
Steenson v Ōtakanini Tōpū Incorporation - Ōtakanini Tōpū Incorporation
285 Taitokerau MB 197285 TTK 197Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 67.Management of incorporation.
28.02.2025
Andrew v Wano - Tataraakina C Trust
117 Tākitimu MB 251117 TKT 251Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 81, 82.Debt to trust.
13.03.2025Tawa – Tūaropaki E and Others332 Waiariki MB 53332 WAR 53Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 98.Special aid.
14.03.2025
Deputy Registrar - Pukerewa A Trust
277 Waikato Maniapoto MB 58277 WMN 58Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 37, 231, 237, 238.Review of trust, enforcement of obligations, removal of trustees.
14.03.2025
Skipper v Gibson - Ngāti Tawhirikura Hapū Charitable Trust
498 Aotea MB 148`498 AOT 148Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 67, 236, 237, 238, 240.Trusts.
17.03.2025
Mahanga v Mahanga - Taiharuru 2C
286 Taitokerau MB 172286 TTK 172Te Ture Whenua Māori Act, s 43.Rehearing.
24.03.2025
Manning - Succession to Ruera Irikapua
Chief Judge's MB 6542025 CJ 654Te Ture Whenua Māori Act, s 45.Succession.
24.03.2025
Te Whata v Sanson - Part Maungakawakawa 20
288 Taitokerau MB 126288 TTK 126Te Ture Whenua Māori Act, ss 18(1), 19, 242.Companies.
28.03.2025
Samuel v Samuel - Succession to Te Urupiki Samuel
334 Waiariki MB 271334 WAR 271Te Ture Whenua Māori Act, s 43.Succession.
01.04.2025
Koroua - Succession to Perry Ratahi Tai 
335 Waiariki MB 11335 WAR 11Te Ture Whenua Māori Act, ss 113, 118.Succession.
02.04.2025Richards v Rangi - Part Kai Iwi 5E2499 Aotea MB 139499 AOT 139Te Ture Whenua Māori Act, ss 173, 288.Partition.
02.04.2025
Mio v Daniels - Waipupumahana A No 6
335 Waiariki MB 22335 WAR 22Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 238,240.Enforcement of obligations of the trust. Repayment of fees ordered.
02.04.2025
Sycamore v McLaughlin - Rangatira E
335 Waiariki MB 40335 WAR 40Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 113A.Enforcement of terms of trust, and removal of trustees.
03.04.2025
Tuhaka v Samuels - Succession to Kahukuranui Piwari
Chief Judge's MB 7282025 CJ 728Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
11.04.2025
Mullins - Kaitoki No 2K Sec 1
119 Tākitimu MB 50119 TKT 50Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 289.Partition - preliminary judgment - sole owner.
16.04.2025
Whata v Pryor - Mourea Papakainga 3E9 Māori Reservation
336 Waiariki MB 261336 WAR 261Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 19.Injunction.
17.04.2025
Cairns-Williamsen v Hakaraia - Waihaha 4
500 Aotea MB 280500 AOT 280Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 239.Replacement of trustee, Trustee election.
17.04.2025
Gunn - Ohiti Waiti 1D Section 1 and others
119 Tākitimu MB 64119 TKT 64Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 135, 158, 307.Change of status, amalgamation.
30.04.2025
Witana v Capill - Otarihau 2B1C
289 Taitokerau MB 168289 TTK 168Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 19.Interim injunction, Annual general meeting.
06.05.2025
Collett - Lot 41 Deposited Plan South Auckland 4295
278 Waikato Maniapoto MB 175278 WMN 175Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 135.Change of status.
03.06.2025Ngawhika v Nepia - Pukehina M Section 1B No.3339 Waiariki MB 127339 WAR 127Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 19(1)(a), 19(1)(ba), 238 and 37.Permanent injunction.
04.06.2025Te Arawa Managment Limited - Lot 1 DP SA 19243 (CFR SA63B/895) - 78 Town Point Road, Maketu and others339 Waiariki MB 239339 WAR 239Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 131.Land status.
05.06.2025Moke – Succession to Te Poroa Joseph (Joe) Malcolm339 Waiariki MB 182339 WAR 182Te Ture Whenua
Māori Act 1993, ss 113, 117, 214, 219.		Succession and Constitute a Whānau Trust.
12.06.2025
Proprietors of Hiruharama Ponui Incorporated v Bramley
339 Waiariki MB 260339 WAR 260Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 269(6)(a), 280(6), 280(7)(f).Incorporations, accountability obligations, examining officer.
13.06.2025Bloor v Ellis - Tapapa 3B1 and others120 Tākitimu MB 224120 TKT 224Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 67.Trusts - partial termination of trust refused.
25.06.2025Tipene v Ashby & others – Motatau 2 Section 31C291 Taitokerau MB 211-218291 TTK 211-218Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 43.Trusts.
03.07.2025Doig v Kahia - Hautu 1B 1B 2B sec 3 and others501 Aotea MB 98507 AOT 98Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 231 and 238.Obligations of trust.
04.07.2025Campbell - Jacobs River 100 Block XXV Section 80 and others95 Te Waipounamu MB 23595 TWP 235Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 241.Termination of trust, removal of interests vested.
16.07.2025Brown v Brown - Tuhuna 12A1292 Taitokerau MB 147292 TTK 147Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 19.Injunction, occupation of land.
23.07.2025Tamehana - Ngongohau No.6508 Aotea MB 149508 AOT 149Māori Reservations Regulations 1994, r 21.Trust administration.
30.07.2025
Karaitiana v Seagar - Wharetoto 9 Part 
509 Aotea MB 11509 AOT 11Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 238.Lease by trust.
30.07.2025Edwards v Taui - Lot 3 DP South Auckland 19992344 Waiariki MB 9344 WAR 9Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 240.Removal of trustee.
04.08.2025Hemi v Ritchie - Whaanga 1D1D Roadway282 Waikato Maniapoto MB 9282 WMN 9Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 18(b), 19(1)(a), (b) and (c).
04.08.2025Gatt v Hemi - Whaanga 1D1D Roadway282 Waikato Maniapoto MB 68282 WMN 68Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 67 and 236(1).Roadway.
07.08.2025Epiha v Peihopa - Kaikou H293 Taitokerau MB 225293 TTK 225Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 19 and 240.Trusts.
07.08.2025Tapsell - Lot 1 Owhatiura South 5 Part344 Waiariki MB 71344 WAR 71Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 135 and 310.Status of land.
12.08.2025Deputy Registrar - Murimotu No 5B No 1509 Aotea MB 197509 AOT 197Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 215, 219, 222 and 220.Appointment of trustees and terms of trust.
14.08.2025Round Corner - Lots 3 and 5 Deposited Plan 20707510 Aotea MB 97510 AOT 97Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 135.Status of land.
18.08.2025Deputy Registrar v Karaitiana - Wharetoto 9 Part510 Aotea MB 155510 AOT 155Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 240.Removal of trustee.
21.08.2025McNally - Lot 1 DP SA 18658345 Waiariki MB 195345 WAR 195Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 316, 318 and 322.Boundaries of roadway.
25.08.2025Toothill v Morrell - Paeroa 1E14 (Urupā) - Te Kopua Urupā134 Tairāwhiti MB 264134 TRW 264Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 338, 215 and 219.Management Structure for the land.
27.08.2025Grant v Skinner - Lot 3 DP SA 89753345 Waiariki MB 202345 WAR 202Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 240.Trust operations.
29.08.2025Dickinson - Succession to Paurini Paengahuru Chief Judge's MB 12672025 CJ 1267Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
04.09.2025Paamu - Succession to Tupito MarueraChief Judge's MB 13212025 CJ 1321Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
04.09.2025Harrison - Succession to Mere NgamaiChief Judge's MB 13342025 CJ 1334Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
05.09.2025Manning v Cushing - Waitutu Incorporation 97 Te Waipounamu MB 14597 TWP 145Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 280.Incorporation management.
05.09.2025Lant v Committee of Management - Proprietors of Mangatu Blocks Incorporation134 Tairāwhiti MB 282134 TRW 282Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 67,19 and 280.Incorporations.
08.09.2025Biester v Kingi - Te Ti B Part being Lot 17 DP 61631296 Taitokerau MB 177296 TTK 177Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 18(1)(a) and 21.Lease.
08.09.2025Perawiti - Succession to Sharon Marino512 Aotea MB 47512 AOT 47Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 58.Succession.
10.09.2025Tehei - Succession to Taiparoro HiriniChief Judge's MB 13562025 CJ 1356Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
12.09.2025Davies v Davies - Pipiwai A2 being Part Lot 1 DP 12852297 Taitokerau MB 1297 TTK 1Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 19.Notice of hearing.
12.09.2025Sixtus v Trustees of the Hokotehi Moriori Trust - Taonga Tūturu on Rēkohu97 Te Waipounamu MB 24397 TWP 243Protected Objects Act 1975, ss 4(2) and 11(1).Determination of ownership, Interim injunction.
15.09.2025Nuri - Succession to Piri Tuari Chief Judge's MB 14012025 CJ 1401Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Amend succession orders.
18.09.2025Bloor - Hautu B1A1 and others512 Aotea MB 270512 AOT 270Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 289.Partition.
25.09.2025Lewis - Otamatea B2B3298 Taitokerau MB 253298 TTK 253Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 326A and 326B.Access to land, landlocked land.
03.10.2025Vainu - Succession to Phyliss Harmon124 Tākitimu MB 16124 TKT 16Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 113 and 117.Succession.
03.10.2025Smith v Symes - 3167 SH 2 and others135 Tairāwhiti MB 97125 TRW 97Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 19(1)(b), 238 and 240.Removal of trustees, enforcement of obligations of trust.
06.10.2025Gillies v Lucas - Waipuka No C No 1 and Others124 Tākitimu MB 51124 TKT 51Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 288 and 289.Partition.
06.10.2025Logan v Matthews - Omahu 2H1B and Others125 Tākitimu MB 40125 TKT 40Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 231.Trust Administration.
13.10.2025Poari-Broughton - Ihupuku G 514 Aotea MB 80514 AOT 80Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 239 and 338(7).Replacement of trustees.
15.10.2025Seymour - Otonga 399 Te Waipounamu MB 6599 TWP 65Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 151, 173, 289 and 297.Partition.
29.10.2025Nelson-Smith v Johnston - HBP2/1145 Section 1 SO Plan 9584125 Tākitimu MB 65125 TKT 65Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 338.Māori reservation.
31.10.2025Toatoa v Toatoa - Wharerangi 5B1 and 6B2 Lot A and Lot B125 Tākitimu MB 38125 TKT 38Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 19.Injunction, trespass, invalid lease.
07.11.2025Carmichael - Taumaraunui Papakāinga 4A2523 Aotea MB 200523 AOT 200Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 155 and 158(1).Confirmation of alienation of a block of Māori freehold land.
11.11.2025Ngamotu - Section 1 Survey Office Plan 60553Chief Judges MB 18012025 CJ 1801Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Vesting of land in trustees and status of land.
14.11.2025Moon - Punakitere 4J2B2H2300 Taitokerau MB 237300 TTK 237Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss. 289 and 328.Occupation order.
17.11.2025Wihare - Rangitatau 1D5A1518 Aotea MB 87518 AOT 87Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 133.Trustee rotation.
19.11.2025Proprietors of Pipiriki Township v Cripps518 Aotea MB 91518 AOT 91Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 19.Injunction for trespass.
19.11.2025Thomas v Allen - Kaitaia Marae Incorporated Society203 Taitokerau MB 169203 TTK 169Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 19(1)(a).Injunction.
21.11.2025Mason-Witehira - Mataraua B 5B1A302 Taitokerau MB 273302 TTK 273Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 239.Appointment of trustee.
21.11.2025Staples - Omahu 4A2B125 Tākitimu MB 261125 TKT 261Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 289.Partition.
24.11.2025Baxter v Robinson - Rangiwaea 4F14B1A and another519 Aotea MB 25519 AOT 25Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 238; Māori Reservations Regulations Act 1994, s 21.Obligations of trust.
27.11.2025Rau v Stock - Opuatia 9C2B2288 Waikato Maniapoto MB 112288 WMN 112Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 231, 237, 238 and 240.Occupation of the whenua, decision-making by trustees, and significance of names.
10.12.2025Ihaka v Chapman - Succession to Parekura Kenana IhakaChief Judges MB 18722025 CJ 1872Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
12.12.2025MacDonald v Gibson - Ngāti Tāwhiritia Hapū Charitable Trust521 Aotea MB 240521 AOT 240Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 236, 237, 238 and 240.Administration of trust.
12.12.2025Smith v Thompson - Waipaoa 5A2136 Tairāwhiti MB 295136 TRW 295Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 18(1)(a) and 238.Ownership of house and farm buildings on Māori freehold land.
17.12.2025Tāite - Succession to Tukino Te Heuheu Tāite as administrator to the estate of Pateriki TāiteChief Judges MB 19252025 CJ 1925Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
17.12.2025Kiro - Succession to Anthony Waitiri Jeans Kiro305 Taitokerau MB 111305 TTK 11Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 113 and 118.Succession.
17.12.2025Robinson v Robinson - Succession to Gary Robinson288 Waikato Maniapoto MB 290288 WMN 290Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 109AA and 242.Succession.
17.12.2025Courtney v Semenoff - Ohuirua No. 2Chief Judges MB 19842025 CJ 1984Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, ss 44 and 45.Easement.
17.12.2025Ball - Waima C1Chief Judges MB 19102025 CJ 1910Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Transfer of shares.
18.12.2025Kahukura - Succession to Ranginui MorganChief Judges MB 20362025 CJ 2036Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Succession.
18.12.2025Puohotaua - Part Rakato B Māori ReservationChief Judges MB 19542025 CJ 1954Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Cancel orders.
18.12.2025Puohotaua - Rakato B Ahu Whenua TrustChief Judges MB 19682025 CJ 1968Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 45.Cancel orders.
18.12.2025Doig v Kahia - Hautu 1B 1B 2B 5B Sec 3 and others523 Aotea MB 1523 AOT 1Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, s 238.Costs.